StarTech.com 2.5GbE USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C Ethernet Adapter US2GC30
The StarTech.com US2GC30 USB-C to Ethernet Adapter provides robust 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, transforming any USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port into a high-speed wired network interface for enhanced productivity.
- 2.5GbE Performance: Delivers up to 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet speeds, enabling rapid large file transfers and supporting bandwidth-intensive applications without network bottlenecks.
- USB-C Connectivity: Connects effortlessly to modern laptops, workstations, and servers via a reversible USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port, ensuring broad compatibility and easy deployment.
- VLAN Tagging Support: Facilitates network segmentation and traffic management, enhancing security and optimizing performance for different departmental or application needs.
- Broad OS Compatibility: Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring seamless integration across diverse IT environments and reducing driver management complexities.
Product Overview
Product Overview
The StarTech.com US2GC30 is a compact USB-C to Ethernet adapter engineered to provide 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, leveraging a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C host interface to deliver up to 2500 Mbit/s data rates. This external network interface card (NIC) is designed for immediate deployment, featuring a single RJ-45 port for direct wired network access.
Equipped with a Realtek RTL8156 chipset, this adapter supports advanced networking standards including IEEE 802.1Q for VLAN tagging and IEEE 802.3bz for 2.5GbE, ensuring compatibility with modern network infrastructures and enabling secure traffic segmentation. Its plug-and-play functionality across Windows, macOS, and Linux minimizes setup time and IT support requirements.
- Enhanced Network Speed: Provides 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, significantly boosting data transfer rates for applications requiring high bandwidth, such as large file backups or streaming high-resolution media.
- Universal USB-C Compatibility: Connects to any device with a USB Type-C port, offering a standardized and future-proof solution for adding wired network access to a wide range of business hardware.
- Robust Network Standards: Supports IEEE 802.3bz for 2.5GbE, IEEE 802.1Q for VLAN tagging, and full-duplex operation, ensuring reliable and efficient data flow within complex network environments.
- Simplified Deployment: Features plug-and-play functionality and broad operating system support (Windows, macOS, Linux), reducing installation complexity and minimizing IT intervention for end-users.
- Operational Longevity: Boasts a Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of 1,233,108 hours, indicating exceptional reliability and reducing the total cost of ownership through extended operational life.
This StarTech.com 2.5GbE USB-C adapter is a strategic investment for businesses seeking to upgrade network performance and ensure consistent, high-speed connectivity for their workforce.
Technical Specifications
1Performance & Business Impact
2Connectivity & I/O
3Physical & Environmental
4Lifecycle, Warranty & Compliance
Full Specifications
Network11
Ports & interfaces5
Power1
Weight & dimensions4
Design8
System requirements1
Operational conditions1
Packaging data1
Technical details1
Logistics data1
Other features1
What This Solves
Enhancing Workstation Connectivity
Many modern business laptops and thin clients lack integrated Ethernet ports, relying solely on Wi-Fi which can be inconsistent. This adapter provides a dedicated 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet connection, ensuring stable and high-speed network access for critical business applications.
Remote workforces, corporate offices, temporary project sites, shared desk environments
Accelerating Large Data Transfers
Organizations frequently transfer large files, such as CAD designs, video assets, or database backups, which can be bottlenecked by standard Gigabit Ethernet. The 2.5GbE capability allows for significantly faster data movement, reducing wait times and improving project turnaround.
Engineering firms, creative agencies, data analytics teams, healthcare imaging departments
Enabling Secure Network Segmentation
Businesses often need to segment network traffic for security, compliance, or performance optimization, requiring support for VLANs. This adapter's VLAN tagging (IEEE 802.1Q) ensures devices can participate in segmented networks, isolating sensitive data and improving network management.
Financial institutions, legal practices, government agencies, educational institutions
Key Features
USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C Host Interface
Ensures broad compatibility with modern laptops and workstations, simplifying deployment across diverse hardware fleets.
2.5 Gigabit Ethernet (2500 Mbit/s)
Provides significantly faster network speeds than standard Gigabit, accelerating large file transfers and reducing latency for bandwidth-intensive applications.
VLAN Tagging (IEEE 802.1Q) Support
Enables network segmentation for enhanced security and efficient traffic management, crucial for compliance and operational performance in business environments.
Plug and Play with Windows, macOS, Linux
Minimizes setup time and IT support requirements, allowing employees to quickly connect and maintain productivity without complex driver installations.
Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of 1,233,108 hours
Indicates exceptional product reliability and longevity, reducing the likelihood of unexpected downtime and lowering long-term operational costs.
Compatible With
Modern Laptops & Ultrabooks
Dell XPS, Lenovo ThinkPad, HP EliteBook, Apple MacBook Pro/Air, Microsoft Surface
Workstations & Desktop PCs
Any desktop or workstation with an available USB Type-C port
Network Infrastructure
2.5GbE switches, Gigabit routers, network attached storage (NAS) devices
Server Environments
Windows Server 2008 R2/2012 R2/2016, Linux servers for management access
Frequently Asked Questions
What operating systems are supported by this 2.5GbE USB-C adapter?
The StarTech.com US2GC30 adapter offers broad compatibility, supporting Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11, as well as various macOS versions from 10.11 El Capitan through 13.0 Ventura, and Linux operating systems.
Can this adapter be used with older USB Type-A ports?
No, this specific model is designed with a USB Type-C host interface and requires a compatible USB-C port for connection. It is not directly compatible with older USB Type-A ports without an additional adapter, which may impact performance.
Does this adapter require external power?
No, the StarTech.com US2GC30 is USB powered, drawing all necessary power directly from the host USB Type-C port. This eliminates the need for an external power adapter, simplifying deployment and reducing cable clutter.
What is the maximum cable length supported for 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet with this adapter?
For optimal 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet performance, it is recommended to use Cat5e or Cat6 cabling up to 100 meters (328 feet). Using higher quality cabling like Cat6a or Cat7 can provide additional headroom for signal integrity.
Warranty & Returns
Manufacturer Warranty
2 Years
Warranty is provided directly by the manufacturer and covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.
Return Policy
Returns subject to manufacturer approval
Hardware returns are governed by the manufacturer's return policy. Some products are non-returnable or subject to restocking fees. Defective items are handled under the manufacturer warranty. Contact Zent Networks before initiating any return.